Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
Push to fly Aboriginal flag on bridge
NSW opposition leader Luke Foley wants the Aboriginal flag to fly permanently on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
February 2, 2018
Pressure is mounting for the Aboriginal flag to be a permanent fixture on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
NSW Labor has backed young Kamilaroi woman Cheree Toka’s campaign to have the flag flying on top of the famous landmark 365 days a year rather than the current 15 days.
Ms Toka, 27, who has spent the past year campaigning the cause, has amassed almost 75,000 signatures via the online platform, Change.org.
Opposition leader Luke Foley has pledged to support to her campaign.
“We should all be proud of 60,000 years of indigenous history here,” Mr Foley said in a statement on Friday.
“Flying the Aboriginal flag on the great arch that defines Sydney around the world is an appropriate expression of that pride.”
The recognisable red, yellow and black flag currently flies for 15 days of the year during NAIDOC Week, Reconciliation Week and on Australia Day.
“Flying the flag is a sign of respect and can help foster a greater sense of community,” said Labor Aboriginal Affairs spokesman David Harris.
Comment is being sort from the NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Sarah Mitchell.